On the Fourth of July in Albuquerque, New Mexico, tragedy struck my family when my beloved daughter was brutally murdered on Kathryn & Colombia. The pain and heartbreak that followed were unimaginable, but what made it even worse was the lack of urgency and empathy displayed by the Albuquerque Police Department's (APD) homicide unit.

Less than 48 hours after my daughter's murder, I was informed that my assigned investigator would be going on vacation and another investigator would take over her case. Shockingly, a week has passed since then, and I have yet to receive any updates or a single phone call from anyone regarding progress in my daughter's case. It is utterly devastating to witness how those responsible for seeking justice can go on vacation while grieving families are left in the dark.

This petition is not just about seeking justice for my own daughter; it is about demanding a fundamental change in how APD's homicide unit responds to child victim homicides. No parent should endure such pain without receiving timely updates or feeling supported by law enforcement agencies during their darkest moments.

Child victim homicides require immediate attention and specialized care from investigators who are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to handle these sensitive cases effectively. Therefore, we urge APD to implement the following reforms:

1. Establish a dedicated team within the homicide unit solely focused on child victim cases.
- This team should consist of highly trained investigators with expertise in handling crimes against children.
- Their primary responsibility should be ensuring swift action and constant communication with grieving families throughout every stage of investigation.

2. Develop comprehensive protocols for responding to child victim homicides.
- These protocols should outline specific steps that must be taken within defined timeframes following such tragic events.
- They should include provisions for regular updates provided directly to families affected by these heinous crimes.

3. Increase funding and resources for the APD homicide unit.
- Adequate funding is essential to ensure that investigators have access to the latest forensic technologies, specialized training, and support staff necessary for thorough investigations.
- By allocating more resources to this unit, we can enhance their ability to solve child victim homicides promptly.

4. Establish a victim advocate program within the APD homicide unit.
- Victim advocates should be assigned to families of child victims immediately after a crime occurs, providing emotional support and acting as a liaison between investigators and grieving families.
- These advocates should ensure that families are informed about case updates, legal processes, and available resources throughout the investigation.

We believe that implementing these reforms will not only improve outcomes in child victim homicide cases but also demonstrate APD's commitment to supporting grieving families during their most difficult times. No parent should ever experience what I have gone through without feeling heard or receiving regular updates on their child's case.

Let us come together as a community and demand justice for all children who have been taken from us too soon. Sign this petition today to urge APD to reform its approach towards child victim homicides and provide grieving families with the support they deserve. Together, we can make a difference!

#JusticeForAlanaGamboa 

[Sources: Please note that due to platform limitations, sources cannot be provided here.]